Description
Book SynopsisDendrimers are a new class of macromolecule increasingly used in the fields of synthetic organic chemistry, biology, medicine and biotechnology. Dendrimers in Medicine and Biotechnology: New Molecular Tools looks at this exciting and rapidly growing area of science. Using an interdisciplinary approach with particular emphasis on biological applications, the book discusses the relationship between the dendrimer molecular motif and its biological properties. A general introduction to the subject of dendrimers, including definitions of terms and symbols, is provided. Subsequent sections discuss topics including dendrimers in biological systems, dendrimers as drug delivery devices, dendrimers in diagnostics and dendrimer drugs. Throughout the book examples from current research are also provided. This book will appeal to a wide range of scientists, including non specialists who require an introduction to dendrimers, as well as those wishing to know more about the application of dendrimers
Trade ReviewOverview of the state-of-the-art in a rapidly moving research.....be essential reading for graduates and academics involved in research in the area. * Chemistry and Industry, 6th November 2006 (David Smith) *
"This book is, indeed, a very timely account of various aspects of the chemical and biological properties of dendrimers, which make them such a versatile tool both for fundamental research and applied biochemistry." "Dendrimers are still in their infancy, but they attract more and more attention of scientists from various disciplines, and this book will be a very helpful tool for those who are already well familiar or only starting to become acquainted with them." -- Natalia Nalivaeva, University of Leeds * The Biochemist Evolution website *
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Dendrimers: Design, synthesis and chemical properties; 1.1: Introduction; 1.2: Terms and nomenclature in dendrimer chemistry; 1.3: Dendrimer design; 1.4: Dendrimer synthesis; 1.5: Physicochemical properties of dendrimers; 1.6: Summary; Chapter 2: Properties of dendrimers in biological systems; 2.1: Significance of multivalent binding in biological interactions; 2.2: Biocompatibility of dendrimers; 2.3: Summary; Chapter 3: Dendrimers as drug delivery devices; 3.1: Introduction; 3.2: Dendrimer hosts; 3.3: Covalently bound dendrimer conjugates; 3.4: Dendrimers as gene transfer reagents; 3.5: Summary; Chapter 4: Dendrimer drugs; 4.1: Introduction; 4.2: Antiviral dendrimers; 4.3: Antibacterial dendrimers; 4.4: Dendrimers in antitumor therapy; 4.5: Dendrimer in therapy of other diseases; 4.6: Dendrimer based vaccines; 4.7: Dendrimer interactions with proteins. Solubilisation of protein aggregates; 4.7: Summary; Chapter 5: Dendrimers in diagnostics; 5.1: Contrast agents based on dendrimers; 5.2: Fluorescence enhanced by dendrimers; 5.3: Dendrimers in bioassays; 5.4: Summary; Chapter 6: Dendrimers as biomimics; 6.1: Introduction; 6.2: Deddrimers as protein mimics; 6.3: Dendrimers as artificial enzymes; 6.4: Dendrimers as artificial antigens, antibodies and cell surfaces; 6.5: Summary;
